Humans are mortal creatures.
They are born innocent, only to discover the path to sin. They have made mistakes for which they paid dearly, yet there is also goodness within them. They have built societies and done their best to coexist.
However, one day, God decided that enough was enough.
Elyion had a revelation one day. He was 24 at the time. God spoke to humanity, declaring that they were a mistake. It was an announcement of judgment and eradication. He wanted to start everything anew.
The start date had been set: June 22, 2045.
…
—So this is where I'll be living now… I guess it's fine.
Some time had passed since Elyion last had a vision. He assumed God had stopped "speaking" to him since then.
The place he'd arrived at was almost empty, save for a small table where he could sit and eat, a refrigerator, and a tiny kitchen.
—Well, I'll need to fill this place up. I'll have to go buy some things.
As he left the apartment, he saw a girl with pink hair and sky-blue streaks. She wasn't very tall, and her sky-colored eyes held a gaze that radiated tenderness and warmth.
—Melanie?
—Elyion! —she said, a smile spreading across her face—. They told me you'd be arriving soon, so I came to say hello.
—I see. It's been quite a while since we last saw each other—probably about five years, right?
—Six, actually… Hey… I heard that… umm… that…
—What did you hear?
—I heard you got divorced.
Melanie said this with genuine regret in her voice. She had always wanted the best for him. Even without knowing the details of what had happened between him and his ex-wife, she could see it in the reaction of his pupils: it hadn't been a pleasant time in his life.
—Oh, so word's gotten out… Yeah, I guess it didn't work out in the end.
He tried to sound as carefree as possible; he didn't want the mood to turn awkward.
—I'm sorry. You two seemed perfect for each other.
—I used to think so too… Well, are you part of the program as well?
—Yes, though I never had visions. Abraham says my connection with spirits could be quite useful.
—I'm glad I was able to help you back then.
Melanie's face flushed slightly at his words. She looked at Elyion, tilted her head, and smiled.
Elyion had helped Melanie control nature spirits in the past. While they attended different classes in college, they became good friends. Melanie often relied on Elyion and his knowledge in the courses she took. More than once, he'd gotten her out of a tight spot, and she was always grateful for it.
—Do you still have visions?
—No, they stopped after I refused to be part of God's plan. It seems He's left me for good. But I still remember everything clearly. I think that might be an advantage.
—Yes, I think so too. I hope I can help you this time, just like you helped me.
—You're very strong. I'm sure you'll be a great help.
Melanie blushed again. Elyion had always been kind to her, even though he often wore an indifferent expression.
—Do you think we can win?
—We have no choice but to try. It's not like He's going to kill us, right?
Melanie smiled. While many might find Elyion's sarcasm offensive, she found it amusing.
—As you know, we're having a small meeting tonight on the top floor of the building. Everyone living here will be there. You should come too.
—Are you sure?
—Of course! After all, we all have a Bond.
The Bond was a device designed by Abraham that only worked on people who had experienced "divine intervention," as Abraham liked to call it. It was nothing more than the ability to manipulate the spiritual forces of nature, a gift granted by God to a select few humans. Elyion, however, had discovered how to transfer it to others with sufficient life energy.
The device consisted of a chip embedded in a channeling object that stabilized the forces emitted by the user, allowing them to control compatible energies more efficiently. Elyion wore his hanging from his neck, embedded in a rock taken from the fallen walls of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. Additionally, it could send signals about the location of a divine threat, a future E.D.E.N. (Event of Divine ExecutioN), or any unusual spiritual emanations.
Elyion was uncomfortable running into some prophets he'd had issues with in the past. Many of them opposed teaching others how to use spiritual forces, as it shortened the user's lifespan based on their life energy. Elyion had only taught one person: Melanie. At the time, the effect on longevity hadn't been discovered. She already had an abundance of life energy that exceeded human standards, yet Elyion couldn't help but feel guilty for putting her life at risk. It was obvious Melanie would use much of her power in this war.
"I guess that's the danger of being young and stupid," he thought.
—Alright, I'll go.
—Perfect! I'm really glad you're coming.
Melanie smiled.
—I was on my way to buy some things. I need to stock the fridge. Do you want to come with me?
—Right, you just got here. Sure, let's go.
Since the E.D.E.N. Gehena occurred, the atmosphere around the world felt strange. It was as if things were losing their vitality—flowers losing their beauty, the sun not shining brightly enough, shadows growing darker. There was something in the air that made it feel like something was wrong. Yet, many people remained positive about humanity's future. Melanie was one of them.
"I guess we need that attitude now more than ever," Elyion thought as he watched her pick out items from the store shelves.
Elyion grabbed a few packs of red Marlboros and then headed to the beverage section for some bottled water.
—Huh? Water? You drink that much water?
—It's healthy.
—Healthy, you say…
Melanie noticed the packs of red Marlboros he was carrying. She sighed and looked at him.
—What?
—You should stop consuming those things.
—What, water?
—No, I mean what you've got there.
—Oh, yeah, I should.
Elyion said it, but it was obvious he had no intention of quitting. It had become a habit ever since he learned of God's plans for humanity.
The truth was, something had changed in Elyion since God's announcement.
Five years earlier
The streetlights seemed dimmer, the wind felt different against his skin—as if it carried a warning. Still, Elyion headed to the store. Sarah was at home making dinner, and he'd forgotten to buy drinks. "But dear, you said you'd buy them earlier," she'd said with an angry face that only made her look cuter with her puffed cheeks.
She was right; he'd completely forgotten, which was unusual for him. But there was something about that day—the morning sun, the afternoon breeze, the darkness of the night. Something wasn't right.
After paying, he headed home. Maybe he was misinterpreting things. On the way, he encountered a dog that happily approached him, wagging its tail. He couldn't help but pat its head. At that moment, he felt it: a freezing cold down his spine and a sudden invasion of his consciousness, filled with images of humanity's worst vileness—wars, murders, rapes, torture. They weren't just images; they were the emotions of perpetrators and victims, mixing with his own. They were strong enough to drive anyone mad.
As these images, sounds, and emotions embedded themselves deep in his consciousness, he heard a voice saying:
"The human race has failed, proving to be nothing but a mistake in creation. Extermination is imminent. June 22, 2045. Prophets, you have a mission to fulfill: facilitate humanity's transition to the spiritual world."
The revelation lasted less than a minute but felt infinite. When it ended, even as he clung to the little humanity left in him, he thought of Sarah. He mustered all the energy still circulating in his body and ran to her. He left everything behind; she was all that mattered.
She had always been a gentle and innocent woman. Despite her incredible will to achieve her goals, she was a sensitive girl. Elyion couldn't imagine the damage that vision could cause her.
"He's wrong," he thought.
He arrived home with the last breath he had, and she was there, staring into the void. The person he saw was no longer his wife.
"He's right," she said as a tear fell from her right eye. "He's right." The tear wasn't one of sadness but of relief.
—No, He's not —Elyion replied—. Humanity is much better than that.
—No, we're not. He's right.
—NO!
It was the first time he'd yelled at her. But the desperation of seeing the person before him resemble his wife, though her essence was no longer there, was too much to process.
The days passed, and Sarah became more convinced of God's decision. There were days when they argued about it until she finally walked out the door and never returned. Shortly after, the divorce papers arrived, which Elyion signed while lighting a cigarette.
"So this is how our story ends, right, Sarah?" he thought.
—Are we heading back to the building? —Melanie asked, snapping Elyion out of his memories.
—Yes, let's go back.
On the way to the building, Melanie asked him what had happened during those years without contact. Elyion had graduated in Biology, just like her. Though they had different interests—she preferred Marine Biology, while he leaned toward Microbiology.
Many memories from college resurfaced. Smiles and embarrassing moments. However, Elyion couldn't forgive himself for teaching Melanie to control spirits without researching further. It was true she had far more life energy than the average person, but the war against God and future E.D.E.N. events could force her to expend so much power that her life would be drastically shortened.
That's why Elyion decided to look after her and her use of spiritual control. As they talked, he looked at her deeply. Melanie instantly grew shy. Suddenly, Elyion's irises turned white, and energy surrounded their edges.
—You promised not to do that again —Melanie scolded him, her voice breaking as she looked at the ground.
—Sorry, I just want to make sure you're okay.
Elyion possessed an ability Melanie called "Angel's Eyes." It allowed him to see the amount of life energy a person carried. When using it, his irises turned white, and a blue spiritual energy became visible at their edges. Melanie radiated an exorbitant pink aura, very different from the white aura of a normal person.
—I don't want you worrying about how much energy I have left. You know I have more than enough.
—You know that's not going to happen —Elyion replied, taking another drag of his cigarette.
Melanie blushed and felt happy hearing those words. Elyion knew she had been very lonely since losing her parents as a teenager. As an only child, she had to learn to live alone from a young age. He didn't remember his childhood either—only the orphanage where he grew up.
Melanie also had no real friends. Elyion knew her beauty provoked hostility among other girls, and the boys who approached her always had ulterior motives. So, despite being kind to everyone, she never formed a "real" bond with anyone.
—Yes, I understand. I couldn't stop worrying about you either. You're the only real friend I've ever had —Melanie said with a faint smile—. Even if we've been apart for years, I think what's "real" never disappears, right?
—I think so too. Despite the time, it feels like we're still in college.
The clouds hid behind them, revealing the stars in the dark sky. When they reached the building, they took the elevator to the meeting. Elyion didn't feel like going, but he accompanied Melanie to make things less tense.
Samuel, another prophet with a Bond, had expressed his displeasure with Elyion's irresponsibility in experimenting with spirit manipulation on non-prophets. It was thanks to him that the link between life energy and longevity was discovered.
The elevator rattled as it ascended. Elyion placed his hand on the wall, feeling the mechanism tremble. Melanie hummed a soft melody beside him. When the doors opened, they arrived at a spacious, dimly lit room. About twenty people were there—some sitting on small chairs, others gathered in murmuring groups.
A thin boy with deep dark circles approached them. His aura didn't match his age. Abraham was 15, with messy brown hair and an oversized gray sweatshirt. His gray eyes shone with excitement and exhaustion. He held a soda can in his hand. Elyion knew him well. They had worked together recently when Abraham, who carried the knowledge of all his past reincarnations, designed the Bond and asked Elyion for help finishing it.
The Bond could take many forms. Elyion didn't need help channeling spiritual forces at will, but he wore it for its advantage in detecting spiritual emanations. The purpose of the Bond was to amplify, direct, expand, or reduce spiritual forces. It was originally designed to enhance their benefits. For example, Rivka, another prophet, could hear things not in the existential plane; the Bond allowed her to expand the range of those noises.
—I thought you wouldn't come —Abraham said, his voice tired, like that of a normal boy. He took a sip of his soda—. Good thing you're here. Your "Sight" will be crucial.
—I'm just here to help —Elyion replied, his neutrality contrasting with the boy's feverish energy. His beige trench coat shifted slightly as he crossed his arms—. Melanie insisted.
—And I was right to! —Melanie chimed in, smiling at Abraham, her yellow jacket glowing faintly in the dim light—. Hi, Abraham. How are you?
—Swamped, as always —he replied, and for a moment, he was just an overwhelmed teenager. But then his posture changed. He straightened his shoulders, and his gaze clouded as if looking through them. When he spoke again, his voice was no longer that of a child; it was deep, resonant, weighted with countless lives—. Samuel is already here. You know how he gets. His dogmatism is a calculated risk we must manage.
Too late. A bald, stout man with a rigid posture that betrayed years of military discipline broke away from a group and approached them. Samuel. His aura, to Elyion's eyes, was an intense, piercing red like live embers. Behind him, moving like a sleek and lethal shadow, was Miriam. Her dark purple hair was almost black in the poor light, and her violet eyes scrutinized Elyion with evaluative coldness. The scars on her athletic arms told stories of battles he hadn't witnessed.
—Elyion —Samuel spat, completely ignoring Melanie—. I'm surprised to see you. After all, your last "contribution" to the prophets' knowledge cost many dearly. Endangering civilians is negligence we can't afford.
—Samuel —Elyion nodded, staying calm as his fully white eyes settled on the soldier—. I'm not here to fight.
—No, of course not. You're here to drag more innocents into your personal crusade against divine judgment, teaching them tricks that shorten their lives —Samuel's gaze hardened—. Or have you forgotten why your marriage failed? Did you teach Sarah your experiments too?
Elyion clenched his fists inside his trench coat pockets. Melanie stepped forward, slightly interposing herself.
—Samuel, please. This isn't helping anyone —her voice sounded firmer than usual.
—Help, girl, is following the established plan, not improvising with powers we don't fully understand —Samuel retorted without looking at her, his eyes fixed on Elyion. Miriam, beside him, crossed her arms, making the muscles in her arms tense and her scars stand out—. Abraham thinks we need your ability to find an artifact. I think you're a risk.
Before Elyion could respond, Abraham slammed his soda can against a table, creating a metallic sound that echoed through the room and silenced the murmurs. All eyes turned to the young man. The fatigue on his face had been replaced by an ancestral authority.
—Alright, that's enough! —he announced, his voice booming with a cadence not his own—. Dissent is a luxury our time does not permit. Samuel, your strategic strength is indispensable. Elyion, your Sight is the only one that can track the artifact's energy signature. You will tolerate each other. —His gray eyes, now bright with ancient knowledge, swept the room—. Gather around. Time is short. We have the location of the next artifact. And according to my calculations, the competition is already on the move.
A chill ran through the room. Elyion felt the weight of the mission finally settle on his shoulders. This was no longer a memory of the past or an awkward conversation. This was real.
—Competition? —a soft but unsettling voice asked. It was Rivka, emerging from the shadows. Her light gray hair with side braids seemed to absorb the little light in the room. Beneath her eyes, orange marks glowed with a faint light, like sleeping embers—. The Whispers of Sheol… speak of shadows moving where there should be no life. Shadows with… hunger.
—Exactly —Abraham nodded, his voice still grave—. The Erelim are also searching for it. We depart at dawn. To the ruins of the ancient library. —He pointed to a map spread out on a central table—. Miriam, Samuel, prepare the containment equipment. Rivka, we need you to tune into the spiritual plane—be our eyes where Elyion's Sight cannot reach. Melanie…
The pink-haired girl straightened, expectant.
—…the purity of your aura is our best shield against their corruption. You must be ready.
Melanie nodded, iron determination in her bright blue eyes. Elyion looked at her, and for an instant, his irises turned completely white, blue veins appearing at the corners of his eyes. He saw the exorbitant life energy she radiated—a vibrant pink torrent pulsing with strength. You promised not to do that again, she had told him. He looked away, a pang of guilt running through him as he mentally lit another cigarette.
—Any objections? —Abraham asked, his voice regaining its teenage tone for a moment but laden with the expectation of a general.
No one spoke. The first step of the rebellion had been taken.